PRO ANNUAL 2018

TCR around the Italian circuit, but he still took a victory in race one, before hitting the overall podium in third at the end of the weekend. The recent International Series finale also saw the Brit behind the wheel of a familiar friend, thanks to M1RA also using the Honda Civic TCR throughout the season. Files was suffering with gearbox and power steering issues during the weekend, but made a fantastic start in the final race of the season around the 3.589-km circuit from 13th on the grid. Driving the #95 Civic, he was able to take advantage of several on-track altercations, including a hefty hit from Pepe Oriola on Tarquini in the early laps of the final race of the season. Thanks to sheer determination and persistence, he finished behind race winner and outgoing champion Stefano Comini and WestCoast Racing’s Gianni Morbidelli to round off his 2017 season on high. So what’s next for this talented Brit? Files remains open-minded on what might happen, but admitted that although there are a few options that may come to fruition, he can still see himself staying within the TCR realm for at least the next couple of seasons: “It’s hard, because of my refusing to bring any budget into racing, so it ultimately depends on whether there is someone out there who is willing to put forward the money to have me. Besides that, I still have a very good relationship with both Andreas and Markus [at Target], who are apparently working on something, but I don’t know what that is, as they don’t tell me much.” To highlight Target Competition’s modus operandi, Files revealed that he didn’t know about going to Adria for the TCR Europe Trophy until the week before the event! “I’m working on a few things in the direction I’d like to go, and I’m more than likely going to stick with the TCR concept for the next couple of years, as it is still expanding and still growing. It also depends on the future for World Touring Car Championship, where that is going. I think that in the next couple of years, TCR may become FIA-approved, which would enable them to allow works manufacturers’ programmes. I’d like to stay in TCR for the next two to three years, just to see where it goes. I’d like to become one of those household touring car legends. “I’m working towards a TCR International Series programme, but i’m also fine to remain in Germany, as I think that the German championship is still the hardest to race in, and one of the best. It only gets better. There are many options appearing at the moment, so it is just a matter of time before I make a decision about what I’m doing next year.” It won’t be long before Josh Files makes his next move within motorsport, which could move him further forward in what has already been an impressive career thus far. Whether he stays in Europe, or goes “International” for 2018, is anyone’s guess, but with the amount of success he currently has as a triple TCR champion, one phone call from the right people might make that very possible. “I’d like to become one of those household touring car legends” FILE UNDER SUCCESS PRO ANNUAL 2018 52